Use the Pre-Aquatica branch if you need your ARK: Survival Evolved server to run the older pre-Aquatica build, for example while waiting for mods or maps to support the newer Aquatica update.
Before switching branch
- Tell players before taking the server offline.
- Back up the server first: Backing up and restoring world and player data on your ARK server.
- Keep the backup until you have confirmed the server starts and your mods or map load correctly.
Install the Pre-Aquatica server branch
- Open your ARK: Survival Evolved server in the control panel.
- Stop the server.
- Open the Actions tab or More actions menu.
- Click Install Pre Aquatica branch.
- Confirm the action if the panel asks for confirmation.
- Wait for the install task to finish.
- Start the server.
- Check the console and join the server to confirm the expected branch is running.
Switch your ARK client in Steam
- Open Steam and go to your Library.
- Right click ARK: Survival Evolved, then click Properties.
- Open the Betas tab.
- Select the preaquatica branch from the beta dropdown.
- Wait for Steam to download the branch files.
- Launch ARK and join your server.
Going back to Aquatica/current
When your mods and map are ready for the current Aquatica build, move the Steam client back to the normal branch and update the server from the control panel. If the server fails after switching branch, restore your backup or submit a support ticket with the latest console output.
